Blantyre

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Blantyre is the economic capital of Malawi.

Blantyre Halal Travel Guide

Blantyre originates from the birthplace of the missionary Dr David Livingston, who was born in Blantyre, Scotland. Blantyre is the main commercial city in Malawi.

Travel to Blantyre

Fly to Blantyre

South African Airways has four flights per week between Johannesburg (South-Africa) and Blantyre. Air Malawi also flies to JNB, s well as Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), Harare (Zimbabwe), Lusaka (Zambia) and Nairobi (Kenya). m Swiftair has five flights a week between Johannesburg ( South Africa) and Blantyre and operates scheduled flights between Lilongwe and Blantyre on a Boeing 737.

A taxi to downtown is about a 6000 MK (Malawi#Money|kwacha).

Chileka International Airport (BLZ) -15.680652,34.969783 - Located about 16 kilometers (9 mi) north of the city.

Travel by train to Blantyre

Blantyre Railway Station - A slow day at Blantyre station.

Rail services to Blantyre are close to non-existent and not practical at all for the everyday tourist. However, for the intrepid traveler Central Eastern African Railways offers some possibilities for arriving by train in Blantyre. The border with Mozambique at Nayuchi/Entre Lagos is a mere 22 hours away including a change at Balaka, services are once a week. That there are no trains from the capital Lilongwe.

Blantyre Railway Station -15.787750, 35.016119 Past the tracks, first exit to the right after clock tower roundabout

How to travel to Blantyre by car

Take the M1 south from Lilongwe.

Travel by Bus to Blantyre

From Lilongwe International Airport get a luxury bus to Blantyre Bus depot on Chileka Road. Intercape runs bus services from Johannesburg in South Africa, journey time is up to 35 hours.

Travel by boat to Blantyre

Get Around in Blantyre

For the budget traveller there are basically two ways of getting around Blantyre: by foot or by shuttle van.

By day it is very safe to walk around Blantyre provided you don't look like a rich tourist, in which case you may be unpleasantly tailed by street vendors and beggars. It is feasible to explore the entire city of Blantyre on foot within a couple of days and unless you are travelling to Limbe or to the outer suburbs of Blantyre and then it is unlikely you'll require even the shuttle van.

In the event that you do and then shuttle vanes are very cheap, travelling between Blantyre and Limbe costs MK 100 (as of January 2012). Or you may consider hiring a bicycle if you are that way inclined.

It is unsafe to walk around Blantyre during the night and you should obtain the phone numbers of a few reliable taxi drivers (talk to some of the local residents). Taxis are relatively more expensive and the price also depends on how far the driver has to come to pick you up, but thit is much preferable to being mugged in a dark Blantyre street late at night. As a general rule all taxi drivers begin at the Mount Soche Hotel.

What to See

St Michael and All Angels Church - St. Michael and All Angels Church.

Mandala House Mackie Road -15.799644,35.014469 ☎ +265 1 871932 Opening 8:30AM–4:15PM and Saturday mornings One of the oldest buildings in Blantyre and has spacious grounds with a children's playground. Houses the La Caverna Art Gallery, with great carvings and a museum section upstairs. There's also a popular cafe at the grounds and the cafe serves US$6–8 lunches, various coffees, ice-cream and cake.

Museum of Malawi Kasungu Crescent -15.803934,35.039649 Midwat between Blantyre and Limbe, a 500m walk from Chichiri Shopping Mall ☎ +265 1 8896213 - The national museum of Malawi. Artifacts includes a royal ceremonial stool from the 16th century and an exhibition of traditional dances and the Gule Wamkulu.

St. Michael and All Angels Church -15.784086,35.020706 Off old Chileka Road, up the hill from clock tower roundabout, past the bus station and private hospital on your left and then next left ☎ +265 881 635 111 Described as the first permanent church between the Zambezi and the Nile, this church was designed by David Scott, a Scottish missionary with helpe of local workers. Scott had no architectural or building experience at all and there's was no written plans. This was just as well as The Church of Scotland would have stopped his plans had they known how ambitious they were. He was also writing a language dictionary at the time of building. This also is where Blantyre was founded when a local chief gave land to the Scottish missionaries and a slave freed by David Livingstone.

Top Travel Tips

Blantyre Tours - ☎ +265 9344617 - Take a local tour of Blantyre with one of Malawi's most successful artists, Hussein Gopole. Hussein is a regular character on Malawi's radio stations, he recently performed in 'Mercy Madonna': a play at the Edinburgh Festival and he set up and runs the 'Village Cultural Troupe', Malawi's no. 1 dance troupe. He hails from Limbe and gives local tours of the city's townships, uncovering the best of Blantyre's secrets.

Record a Song | Synod Offices, CCAP Blantyre Mission, Chileka Road - Get yourself first to Street Michael and All Angels Church. From the front door face down the hill and ahead and on your left you will see some offices. Go in and check that they are the Synod Offices and ask for the recording studios or the music director - Opening Hours: Daily 8AM Monday - 4:30PM Did Malawi put a song into your heart? Why not go straight to a very reasonably priced recording studio and proceed directly onto stardom. Ask for the music director at the Synod offices and see the prices on offer.

Study in Blantyre

Society of Malawi g (Situated above the Mandala House) is a great place to visit if you enjoy a quiet, historic place to research life both past and present in Malawi and Africa in general. The library and archives are open weekdays from 9AM to noon and the last Thursday of the month from 6-7:30PM. See their website for more updated details regarding special functions, a searchable index of scholarly papers available, etc.

Shopping in Blantyre

Blantyre is the commercial center of Malawi and travelers come in from all over the region (including neighboring Mozambique) to stock up on supplies—food, construction materials, electronics, etc. The downtown area is full of Asian (Indian) run shops, as is nearby Limbe. A bustling market area popular with local residents offers all kinds of fruits, veggies, used clothing, construction materials, etc. on the cheap. Newer Asian-style shops are available for those who just want to get in and get out (i.e. Game hypermarket part of Walmart USA. and Shoprite South Africa, Chichiri Savers Choice is a well-stocked Asian run store heading toward Limbe that caters to the expat community with hard-to-find food items, a good bakery, an ice-cream and Candies shop. Prices for the same thing can often vary from shop to shop and an abundance of counterfeited products flood the market, so it's best to shop around and stay on guard.

Halal Restaurants & Food in Blantyre

Vendors are all over the streets in Blantyre. They sell a range of food items from fried chips, Chicken, to hard boiled eggs, bread (mostly milkscone variety and yellow buns), biscuits (locally made from Universal Industries) and so on. Plenty of ripe fruit and vegetables are also readily available for a good price. On the whole, however, street food is nowhere near as tasty as many other African countries tend to offer.

Alem Ethiopian Restaurant, in the heart of the busy city Alem offers Malawian favorites (like nsima with Rice, Chicken and chips, etc.) as well as authentic Ethiopian dishes served in bowls straight from Ethiopia. Ethiopian Coffee, served with cloves and salt, is a must-have for any coffee lover. The owners, friendly Ethiopians themselves, have been running the restaurant for over ten years.
Aub's Steakhouse, operated by new arrivals from South Africa, rivals 21 Grill for the best Steaks in the city. Thit is the only place where the servings are so large, you might actually have to leave some food on the plate! A good assortment of Steaks, seafood and other fare. Half of the restaurant is a sports bar with bigscreen TV while the other half hosts a children's play area with TV and a Western theme. Open for lunch and dinner every day. +265 9960628/9966507.
Baba Delhi Darbar, heavenly tasty Indian food with a wide variety of Vegetarian meals. Victoria Avenue close to Mt. Soche Hotel.
Blue Savannah, fast foods and takeaway, located at the site of Eclipse Lodge (close to Mt. Soche and Air Malawi). Great Pizzas, chips and burgers. In the same complex, opening soon, is a homemade ice cream shop, bakery, expat grocery store, sit-down fancy restaurant and coffee shop (by mid to late 2007). +265 8827613.
Scoops & Shakes, For homemade ice cream in exotic flavours also milk shakes, thick shakes, juices, coffees waffles and crepes. Try our ice cream made with 100% natural ingredients is at the site of Malawi Sunday Hotel & Conference Centre (close to Mt. Soche and Air Malawi.) +265 8827613.
Cappineros offers a relaxing outdoor or indoor setting just a short ride from downtown Blantyre, but far enough away that it feels out of the city. To get there just go past the casino and you'll see the entrance on the right (if coming from downtown Blantyre). As of 2007 they have free salsa lessons every Tuesday night beginning at 7PM. +265 8 843 892
Chez Maky, a delightful out-of-the-way respite from the city, is a great place to get together with business associates or a few friends (space is available for conferences). Situated on a multi-level wooden deck protected from rain and the proprietor is a delightful host originally from Cameroon who makes everyone feel right at home. Grilled Meat is particularly well-done here (some of the best in the nation) and real coffee with desserts are a nice addition to any meal. Located on Kabula Hill Road past Seventh Day Adventist Hospital (just go past the hospital, which will be on your right, go on the road straight till you see a sign on your left, go straight on that road, third house on your left. Open every day from 8 to 10PM. +265 9203029, +265 1833764
China Da Restaurant and Lodge is a newly opened restaurant and the largest Chinese restaurant in town with an expansive menu. The roast duck is a must try. They are open seven days a week for lunch and dinner and meals can be had for less than 1000 MK. There are 5 private dining rooms for parties, complete with television and karaoke. A full drink bar serves Western spirits as well as Chinese varieties. For a truly luxurious experience, go for a Chinese massage in the attached massage parlor before you enjoy dinner. The location is very convenient, centrally located between Blantyre and Limbe, directly across the street from Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital. The address is Ginnery corner (Johnstone Road) behind People's Trading Center. ☎ +265 888953333 or 1880882 Email carey808020@* China Sunrise ☎ +265 8 352 746 Offers mainland style Chinese food available in the city. A converted residential home offers a quiet, relaxing atmosphere with plenty of male waiters eager to serve. To find China Sunrise, proceed to Mwaiwathu Hospital and head toward the direction of Chileka Airport. Perhaps a kilometer or two past Mwaiwathu on the left there is a sign directing you to the place, which will wind you a bit into a housing area.

Curry Corner, located at Chichiri Shopping Center in Blantyre. Authentic Indian Cuisine also serves non curries. Fully stocked café. Next to Shoprite and Game stores. Serves lunches, dinners and take outs. Open seven days a week. Call +265 888843291, 995422224, or 01919310. Drop a line at @online.net. Here every meal is a unique experience, with a wide selection of dishes to suite every taste and budget.
'The Spicy Flavors Restaurant (formerly known as Royal Taj), offers pure Vegetarian Indian cuisine. Highly recommended. Plot no BC 48 Livingstone Avenue. +265 8 201 768, or 4 108 821.
Greens, grilled Meat, braii style. The restaurant opens late and will not allow children.
Hong Kong is an old favorite of many in town who enjoy Chinese canton cuisine. Run by a friendly Chinese lady from Hong Kong and her American husband. This pagoda style restaurant has been in Blantyre for over 40 years and has always been a family business serving over 100 well portioned dishes. The interior resembles the inside of the emperor's palace by Tiananmen Plaza. The chef is from Hong Kong and has been with the restaurant since it opened. Next to Mt. Soche Hotel. ☎ +265 1 820 859
Hungry Lion, found in the Shoprite complex opposite Chichiri Stadium, is a favorite with Malawians because of the simple Chicken and chips menu it offers. A franchise, this location is often so pitiful (unless you only want an ice cream cone) that some visitors who don't like the long wait or poor operation in general have stopped giving it a go altogether.
Jungle Pepper Pizzaria is the place for a wide assortment of Pizzas and various toppings. Very tasty! +265 8 826 229
Portugalia, formerly known as Nandos but now no longer a part of that chain. A popular destination for anyone traveling by shuttle van but a headache to those driving their own vehicle. This restaurant is well known for the blends of Lemon Herb or Peri-Peri Chicken. The setting is very busy, but now that the vendors have been removed much quieter than formerly. Once inside the store you can forget the crowd of shuttle vanes right outside and enjoy pita wraps, Chicken and chips, pine nut Burgers and more. An adult meal (children's also available) will cost about 700 MK.
Royal Taj ☎ +265 1 822 376

Salvatores On the premises of Villa 33 Salvatores is an Italian influenced restaurant onsite with a large outdoor eating area that overlooks the gardens it is favoured as a meeting place for both local residents and visitors and lends itself perfectly to elegantly informal entertaining, be it a relaxed lunch with friends or a sumptuous romantic dinner. Email: View the menu online by visiting the website
21 Grill, at Ryalls Hotel. The attention the servers give you is alone worth a reason to go (far superior to most other places where 'service' is not really a thing people know about). +265 1 820 955.
Bombay Palace ☎ +265 8 200 200 Opposite Ryalls Hotel, offers delicious authentic Indian cuisine. Reservations are recommended as it can be busy on weekend evenings.

L'Hostaria ☎ +265 1 636 025 Authentic Italian.

Jungle Pepper Pizzeria ☎ +265 888826229 Opened in 1997. Chichiri Shopping Centre (Shoprite) within the food court. Lots of seating area and lots of yummy pizzas.

Aub's Steakhouse ☎ +265 9960628, +265 9966507 - Serves lunch and dinner everyday, has children's playroom.

Doogles
Mustang Sally - Very up-market bar/club located near the casino. Featuring an indoor swimming swimmingpool alongside the bar as well as a highly impressive and ever expanding collection of whiskeys.

Blue Elephant | Kidney Crescent -15.795716,35.018129 ☎ +265 999 965850 Very busy bar at weekends, easily accessible from Doogles lodge by taxi for about MK700.

Twigga Lounge - Popular club, 5 minutes walk from Blue Elephant. Has a swimming swimmingpool table and shisha on offer for MK600. Often charging a MK500 entrance fee.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Blantyre

Blantyre - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Blantyre, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Blantyre. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Blantyre and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Blantyre. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Blantyre. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Blantyre: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Blantyre.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Blantyre: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Blantyre, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Blantyre.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Blantyre, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Blantyre, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Blantyre and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Blantyre, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Blantyre, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Blantyre without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Blantyre is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Blantyre.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Blantyre is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Blantyre, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Blantyre Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Blantyre

eHalal Group Blantyre is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Blantyre. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Blantyre.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Blantyre ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Blantyre. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Blantyre, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Blantyre are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Ramadan Celebrations in Blantyre

Ramadan 2025 in Blantyre

Ramadan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which may last several days, usually three in most countries.

The next Ramadan shall be from Friday, 28 February 2025 to Saturday, 29 March 2025

The next Eid al-Adha shall be on Friday, 6 June 2025

The next day of Raʾs al-Sana shall be on Thursday, 26 June 2025

The next day for Mawlid al-Nabī shall be on Monday, 16 September 2024

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Prices unknown for the following:

Malawi Sunday Hotel & Conference Centre ☎ +265 1 830 069, +265 1 824 808* Chichiri Lodge ☎ +265 1 672 365* Colony Club ☎ +265 1 823 283* Eclipse Lodge ☎ +265 1 821 555* Indaba Exec Lounge ☎ +265 1 657 643* Kanjedza Lodge ☎ +265 1 642 500* Michiru Lodge ☎ +265 1 669 038* Mount Pleasant Inn ☎ +265 1 878 188* Namiwawa Lodge ☎ +265 1 669 069* Nalis Lodge ☎ +265 1 643 603* Shire Highlands ☎ +265 1 640 055* Superior Hotel ☎ +265 1 621 700* Grace Bandawe Conference Centre - (old) Chileka Road - from the centre of town turn left (up the hill) from the Clock Tower roundabout onto Chileka Road. Pass the bus depot and Mwaiwathu private hospital on your left. Go straight through traffic lights and under a footbridge and it is next on your right - opposite Phoenix International Primary School ☎ +265 1 834 267 US$30-50 - A quiet place near Street Michael and All Angels Church and run by the CCAP (Church of Central Africa Presbyterian). Nice place for a quiet coffee in their gardens and grounds even if you don't stop for the night.

House Five - , Turn into Kabula Hill Road and drive to the end of the tar. House Five is directly ahead at the double gates. ☎ +265 888 901 762 - Beautiful lodging with gardens and views.

Doogles -15.78397,35.01488 Follow the dirt road past the bus station and taxis ☎ +265 888 876574 Check-in: 24 hours / Check-out: noon Dorm US$15 per person. Mulonga place, near the bus station, this South-African run place is a travellers' meeting place. Very popular among expatriates and is quite lively around happy hour. Skyband Wi-Fi access, pool, convenient location. over priced double room US$50.

Kabula Hill Lodge: An old family run establishment 10 minutes walking distance from the centre of Blantyre. Rooms start from 15 USD/night. Standard rooms have two single beds and common bathroom facilities. If you would like to have one of the affordable rooms it is recommended to book at least 6–8 weeks in advance and confirm by email, though they have been known to overbook. All rooms have ordinary mosquito nets (no permethrin). There is a laundry and ironing service (MK 1000), but take tough clothes, as everything is done by hand! Safe-keeping facilities are available and US dollars can be exhanged for Kwacha if necessary. Skyband wi-fi access on patio, though you must purchase access cards (MK 500 for 30 minutes). Turn left at the top of Victoria Avenue (where the Mount Soche Hotel is) and walk approx. 100m up Glynn Jones Road. Turn right onto Kabula Hill Road (follow the signs) and then turn left onto Michiru Road. Walk up then down the hill and you will reach two unsealed dirt roads proceeding left. Both are signposted and the second leads to Kabula Hill Lodge which is the second-to-last residence at the end of this road. Do not walk this road after sunset, call a taxi. ☎ +265 1 821 216 Email: @online.net, @* Malawi Sunday Hotel & Conference Centre - ☎ +265 995632621 +265 1830718 US $126+ Checkout: 10AM A favorite among international and local guests alike. Malawi Sunday Hotel & Conference is a unique blend of ethnic beauty, excellent cuisine and the warm service of Malawi (the Warm Heart of Africa). This hotel has secure parking, DSTV, wifi internet, laundry facilities, room safes, a fast food outlet, an ice-cream parlour, a convenience store, a gaming arcade and two exquisite restaurants.

China Da Lodge - ☎ +265 888953333 US$30 for a single room, US$35 for a double room - Single and double rooms with private bathrooms (clean hot showers) and cable television. Price of room inludes free Western or Chinese breakfast. There is free wi-fi access in all rooms. An attached massage parlor is available. The location is especially convenient for physicians, as it is located directly across the street from Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital. It is advisable to book a room in advance.

Villa 33 - ☎ +265 999960231 - Comfortable lodging in renovated, en suite rooms. The premises has secure parking and each room is equipped with TV, fan, electronic safe and Queen size beds. All rooms can connect to the internet through a wireless hotspot. Accommodation is on a bed and breakfast basis.

Le Meridien Mount Soche ☎ +265 1 820 588* Ryalls Hotel ☎ +265 1 820 955* Hotel Victoria ☎ +265 1 823 500

Stay Safe

Night time muggings or robberies do occur. Private taxis are affordable and readily available. Ask around and bargain.

Telecommunications

There is an internet cafe (and library) near Phoenix International School. Come off Chileka Road either at Street Michael and All Angels Church or at Phoenix School. From there ask around for directions to the 'Resource Centre and Library' - or failing that ask for directions to Phoenix School.

From the Phoenix International School entrance itself you would head down the gentle slope (away from the primary street - which would be down a steeper slope) and there is a building directly in front of you. That is where the internet cafe, resource centre and library is located. The entrance to the school faces directly towards the Phoenix School gates.

Lewis (+265 999 220 572) is the manager and will quickly get you online for a modest fee.

Cope in Blantyre

Consulates in Blantyre

Greece | P.O. Box. 1740, Blantyre - ☎ +265 187-5494 +265 187-5494

News & References

More Muslim friendly Destinations from Blantyre

Zomba
Cape Maclear
Tete, Mozambique

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